Whether you enjoy them roasted on an open fire, sprinkled over sprouts or stirred into a stuffing mixture, chestnuts add plenty of texture, flavour and goodness to any dish.
Chestnuts are nuts that belong to Genus Castanea and is related to beech family or Fagaceae family.
The Scientific name of chestnuts is Castanea sativa and they are available in four different species like European chestnuts, Chinese Chestnuts, American Chestnuts, and Japanese chestnuts.
The difference in these variants is because of the difference in the growth pattern of these varieties of chestnuts.
Chestnuts are good in taste and eating chestnuts provide a lot of benefits because of the presence of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carbohydrates, etc.
Here are 6 health benefits of chestnuts:
1. Balances Electrolytes In The Body
Research suggests having water chestnuts because it helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body. Raw water chestnuts have 74% of water which can help in promoting electrolyte balance owing to their high content of potassium, calcium and magnesium.
2. Promotes Bone Health
Benefits of chestnuts include its power of strengthening the bones. Chestnuts contain copper, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium. These nutrients play an integral role in promoting bone health in people of all ages.
3. Boosts Immunity level
Chestnuts are loaded with antioxidants that help to boost our immunity naturally. It contains tannic, phenolic, fatty acids, vitamin A and C, zinc and copper which are vital in preventing the damages caused by free radicals present in our body.
4. Aids Weight Loss
Yes! You heard it right. Chestnuts help in weight loss. It keeps you satiated for a long duration with fewer calories. Water chestnuts can be categorised as high-volume foods. High-volume foods could support you to lose weight, as they keep you satiated with fewer calories for a longer duration.
5. Good For Digestive Health
Chestnuts can be helpful for digestion. They contain zinc, magnesium, dietary fibre and tannins, all of which have a crucial role in improving our digestive health.
6. Provides Energy
Chestnuts encompass fat-soluble B vitamins that stimulate healthy skin, generate red blood cells and recover the functioning of the brain. They also offer increased levels of energy since they contain high quantities of carbohydrates, which are required for short and long term energy.
Other Vital Benefits Of Chestnuts
Chestnuts play a significant role in the process of ageing and aids in averting the clotting of blood. Lastly, since they don’t contain gluten, these are great for those suffering from celiac disease, which is an illness that upsets the small intestine.
